Paulinho says Gareth Bale is staying at Tottenham

The midfielder is on the verge of completing his move to White Hart Lane, and has revealed that assurances that the club’s Welsh winger would line-up alongside him next season were key to his decision.

He said: “It is important for the team and the Brazilian fans that at the moment all my focus is on winning the Confederations Cup – but after the tournament is finished I hope it is a deal that can get finalised quickly.

“To play in England for a great team like Tottenham is a dream. What I respect about Tottenham is the ambition they have shown.

“This summer there has been interest in their coach and their best player [Bale] – and they have been clear they both are not going anywhere.

“When my agent made me aware that Tottenham were interested I knew it would not be a move that I could turn down.”

The 24-year-old is expected to complete his move from Corinthians next week once the Confederations Cup has finished.

Bale has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who have made him one of their top three transfer targets for this summer.